As his time as Mayor drew to a close Mr Johnson stood again as MP, winning a London seat in 2015.

Why?

A Conservative big-hitter with a good reputation among members and voters in general Mr Johnson would be an asset if he were on-side.

Interesting fact

Scotland Yard has been accused of wasting taxpayers' money by launching an investigation into the alleged theft by Boris Johnson of a cigar case from the home of Saddam Hussein's deputy prime minister thirteen years ago.

Amber Rudd

Age: 52

MP for Hastings and Rye since 2010

New Job: Home Secretary

Old Job: Energy and Climate Change secretary (since May 2015)

Amber RuddCredit:
Unknown/Unknown

CV

Amber Rudd graduated from Edinburgh University with a degree in history before going on to work in investment banking in London and New York.

Before being elected as an MP in 2010 she set up a freelance recruitment business.

Mrs Rudd was Parliamentary private secretary to the Chancellor from 2012-2013 before becoming assistant whip.

She was appointed under-secretary of state in the Department for Energy and Climate Change in 2014 before becoming Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change in May 2015.

Why was she promoted?

A supporter of Mrs May's leadership bid, Mrs Rudd was one of the so-called Cameron cuties tipped for success under David Cameron.

Interesting fact

Once married to writer AA Gill, she got into trouble on her last day at Cheltenham Ladies’ College by tying all the chair legs together in the dining room, according to a friend.

Mrs Rudd also made a fleeting appearance in Four Weddings and a Funeral, Andrea Leadsom's favourite film.

Michael Fallon

MP for Darlington from 1983 to 1992 then MP for Sevenoaks from 1997 to today

New job: He remains Secretary of State for Defence

Defence Secretary Michael FallonCredit:
SWNS.com

CV

Educated at Epsom College and then the University of St Andrews.

Mr Fallon was a director of Bannatyne Fitness before entering Parliament, as well as holding directorships of other businesses including nursing homes, nurseries and financial transactions.

He was a Minister in the Department for Education between 1990 and 1992 and has served on a number of key select committees.

He was appointed Minister for Business and Enterprise in 2012 and then an energy Minister in 2013.

In 2014 he took on the role of Minster for Portsmouth and was then appointed Defence Secretary the same year.

Why?

Seen as a steady hand in Government Mr Fallon supported Remain during the EU referendum campaign and gave Mrs May his backing during the leadership contest.

Interesting fact

Mr Fallon was one of a small number of Conservatives who tried, unsuccessfully, to persuade Margaret Thatcher not to resign as Prime Minister.

David Davis

Age: 67

MP for Boothferry from 1987 to 1997 when the seat became Howden and Haltemprice.

New job: Secretary of State for European Union Relations (the new so-called Minister for Brexit)

David DavisCredit:
JONATHAN BRADY

CV

Mr Davis went to university at Warwick where he studies computer science.

He later took a degree at the London Business School and at Harvard.

He became the assistant whip in the Treasury in 1990 before becoming parliamentary secretary between 1993 and 1994.

Mr Davis was handed the role of Foreign Office minister in 1994 and later took on a number of shadow roles after Labour won the election in 1997.

Of these, the most high profile was shadow home secretary, which he held between 2003 and 2008.

Why was he promoted?

He resigned from his post as shadow home secretary amid a row over civil liberties but as a Brexit-supporting back-bench heavyweight Mr Davis could lend vital credence to Mrs May's EU negotiating team.

Interesting fact

Was forced to deny that a stunt involving two blonde women with large breasts wearing "It's DD for me" t-shirts was anything to do with him during his leadership bid in 2005.

Liam Fox

Age: 54

MP for Woodspring from 1992 to 2010 which then became North Somerset in 2010.

New Job: Secretary of State for International Trade

Old Job: Defence secretary (2010 to 2011)

Dr Liam FoxCredit:
Paul Grover for the Telegraph/Paul Grover for the Telegraph

CV

Educated at state school in Scotland Dr Fox later studied medicine at Glasgow University. He worked as a GP and a civilian army medical officer before becoming an MP in 1997.

Dr Fox was an advisor to Micheal Howard in the early 1990s before becoming a Government whip.

He held a number of shadow roles and was party chairman between 2003 to 2005, before becoming shadow secretary of state for defence.

When the Conservatives formed a Coalition Government in 2010 he became the defence secretary until 2011, when he stepped down from the role amid controversy about his close friend Adam Werritty, who had allegedly introduced himself as an advisor.

Why was he promoted?

A pro-Brexit old hand Dr Fox is seen as a competent choice for a return to Government, having run as possible leader himself.

Interesting fact

He was mentioned in the album sleeve notes of Natalie Imbruglia's debut album, sparking rumours the pair were a couple.

Justine Greening

Age: 47

MP for Putney since 2005

New Job: Remains Secretary of State for International Development (since September 2012)

Justine GreeningCredit:
Christopher Pledger/ Christopher Pledger

CV

Educated at state school in Rotherham before studying economics at Southampton University.

She later achieved an MBA from the London Business School before becoming a finance manager at Centrica.

Currently the Secretary of State for International Development, a post she has held since 2012.

Previously Secretary of state for Transport and economic secretary for the Treasury.

Why?

One of Theresa May's key backers from the start, Ms Greening has long been a champion of women in Parliament, just like the new Prime Minister.

CV

Educated at a local comprehensive in Leeds before reading Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Merton College, Oxford University.

She spent 10 years as a management accountant and economics director at Cable & Wireless before becoming deputy director of Reform education think tank.

Her appointment as Justice Secretary has been welcomed by Frances Crook, Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform.

Why?

The appointment represents a significant departure from the government under David Cameron, in which Michael Gove served as Justice Secretary. Mr Gove declined to comment on his discussions with Theresa May, saying: "It has been a privilege to serve for six years and I wish the new Government very well."

Jeremy Hunt

Age: 49

MP for South West Surrey since 2005

New Job: Remains Health Secretary (since 2012)

Jeremy Hunt waves as he leaves Downing StreetCredit:
Getty Images

CV

Educated at Charterhouse School in Godalming before earning a first class honours degree in Politics from Oxford University. He has worked as an English language teacher in Japan and for Profile PR agency, and founded the educational publishing business Hotcourses.

Before becoming Health Secretary, he served as Shadow Minister for Disabled People (2005) and Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (2010 - 2012).